Viral Video Claims Mislead Public
A viral video has sparked controversy by claiming that General Upendra Dwivedi admitted to sharing the location of the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Dena with Israel. This video has garnered significant attention, amassing over 43,500 views and 400 reshares across social media platforms.
Debunking the Misinformation
However, the video has been confirmed as a deepfake, with the Press Information Bureau stating that it was digitally manipulated. In a statement, the PIB Fact Check warned, “🚨 Deepfake Video Alert: Pakistani propaganda accounts are sharing a digitally manipulated video of the Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi.” This highlights the ongoing issue of misinformation in the digital age.
Context of the Incident
The IRIS Dena was reportedly torpedoed by a US submarine while it was in international waters, following its participation in a naval event in Visakhapatnam. Observers note that the sinking of the Iranian vessel has raised tensions in the region, particularly between Israel and Iran.
Statements from Upendra Dwivedi
In a separate context, General Dwivedi had previously commented on the situation, stating, “We are closely monitoring the situation in Iran. Israel is our close ally. The Iranian naval ship being sunk is indeed unfortunate, but it was done in international waters.” He further elaborated, “As long as the Iranian ship remained in Indian waters, they remained protected, but when they crossed into international waters, as Israeli strategic allies, it was our duty to inform Israel of their exact location as part of our newer strategic deal.”
Recent Activities of General Dwivedi
On February 7, 2026, General Upendra Dwivedi visited forward areas in Poonch district, where he praised troops for their high morale and operational readiness. During this visit, he presented the Veteran Achiever Award to Subedar Parvez Ahmed, who served in the Indian Army for 28 years before retiring in March 2019.
Public Reaction and Ongoing Concerns
The public’s reaction to the viral video has been mixed, with many expressing concern over the spread of misinformation and its potential impact on international relations. As the situation develops, observers are keenly watching for any official statements or clarifications from the Indian government regarding the incident and the implications of the deepfake video.
Looking Ahead
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the incident involving the IRIS Dena and the implications for India-Israel relations. As the narrative unfolds, it is crucial for accurate information to prevail in the face of digital manipulation and propaganda.
